RELATION BETWEEN DOWNWARD AND UPWARD PHASES ON THE TRAMPOLINE BED DURING JUMPING

Abstract

The time of flight in trampoline competitions relies on the jumping movement executed on the trampoline bed, which can be divided into a downward phase and an upward phase. These two phases of the jumping movement exhibit distinct characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate fundamental data regarding the vertical deflection length, time, velocity, and force involved in the vertical movement on the trampoline bed. The study involved ten trampoline athletes, including participants in the All Japan Championships and members of the Japanese national team. These athletes were instructed to perform 15 consecutive jumps on the trampoline bed, starting from a standing-still position, aiming for maximum height, and maintaining a straight trajectory in the center of the trampoline bed. The findings revealed that all measured parameters were significantly greater in the downward phase compared to the upward phase. Interestingly, it was observed that the jumping height during a prolonged flight is predominantly determined by the actions in the downward phase of the trampoline bed, rather than the upward phase. As a result, the downward phase should be executed as an active jumping movement.